Nestled in the southeastern United States, Atlanta, Georgia experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
The hottest month of the year in Atlanta is July, with an average high of 88°F and a low of 71°F.
During this time, residents and visitors can expect plenty of sunshine and humidity.
In contrast, the cooler months bring a different set of weather conditions. The cool season lasts from late November to late February, with January being the coldest month.
January’s average temperatures hover around a high of 53°F and a low of 35°F. This makes the wintertime in Atlanta relatively mild compared to other regions in the northern hemisphere.
During the rest of the year, Atlanta’s climate remains fairly moderate.
Rain is a common occurrence, with an annual average precipitation of 47.12 inches.
Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, making it ideal for those looking to escape more extreme weather patterns.
Explore more details on the average weather year-round on sites like Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Atlanta.
Average Temperature in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has a varied temperature range throughout the year.
Summer Months:
- The hottest month is July with an average high of 88°F and an average low of 71°F.
Winter Months:
- The coldest month is January. It sees an average low of 35°F and an average high of 53°F.
Monthly Average Temperatures
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53 | 35 |
| February | 57 | 39 |
| March | 64 | 45 |
| April | 72 | 52 |
| May | 79 | 61 |
| June | 86 | 68 |
| July | 88 | 71 |
| August | 87 | 70 |
| September | 82 | 65 |
| October | 73 | 53 |
| November | 63 | 43 |
| December | 55 | 37 |
Daily Variations:
- Daily temperatures can fluctuate substantially.
- Warmer days in summer often reach above 90°F.
For more information on temperatures, visit articles about temperature.
Interesting Fact:
- Atlanta’s temperatures vary notably from month to month, making the city experience a true four-season climate.
This range in average temperatures means residents experience both hot summers and cool winters, making it a city with diverse weather patterns throughout the year.
Average Precipitation in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta experiences significant yearly precipitation, including both rainfall and occasional snowfall. This can vary greatly by month and season.
Average Rainfall in Atlanta, Georgia
Rain is common in Atlanta, with the city receiving around 47-49 inches of annual rainfall.
Rainfall is spread out over the year, with more frequent rains in summer.
July is wet, with frequent thunderstorms. Monthly averages are approximately 4 inches.
Fall months see less rain, averaging about 3-4 inches.
Spring can also be rainy, with April experiencing about 3.5 inches.
Even during less rainy months, brief thunderstorms can occur. Rainfall contributes to lush vegetation, important for local ecosystems.
Average Snow in Atlanta, Georgia
Snow is rare in Atlanta but can occur. The city sees about 1-2 inches of snow per year.
Snowfall often happens between December and February. The occasional ice event also affects the area, typically occurring once or twice a season.
Unlike northern cities, snow in Atlanta often melts quickly.
When snow does fall, it can cause disruptions. For more articles on snow and ice, Snow and Ice provides additional details. Snowfall impacts can vary significantly from year to year.
Average Sun in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta enjoys a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year, leading to many clear and bright days. This makes outdoor activities enjoyable, with long daylight hours particularly during summer months.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta sees an average daily shortwave solar energy of around 4.8 kWh/m² during peak summer months.
The city experiences longer daylight hours, especially from May to August, with sunrise around 6:30 AM and sunset close to 8:45 PM.
This period offers the most sunshine hours and good visibility, often leading to mostly clear skies.
In winter, average daily solar energy drops to about 2.8 kWh/m².
Despite shorter days, with sunrise around 7:40 AM and sunset around 5:30 PM, there are still plenty of sunny hours.
Overall, Atlanta benefits from roughly 2,821 sunshine hours annually, providing ample daylight for various activities throughout the year.
Average Humidity in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta experiences varying humidity levels throughout the year. In August, relative humidity peaks at an average of 75%, making it the most humid month.
Conversely, April is the least humid, with an average relative humidity of 61%.
Annual average humidity in Atlanta is around 68%. This percentage shows how much moisture the air can hold compared to its maximum capacity.
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| January | 69% |
| February | 66% |
| March | 63% |
| April | 61% |
| May | 65% |
| June | 70% |
| July | 74% |
| August | 75% |
| September | 73% |
| October | 68% |
| November | 67% |
| December | 69% |
Dew points indicate how humid the air feels. Higher dew points mean more moisture.
In Atlanta, dew points are highest in July and August, contributing to the hot and humid conditions.
During summer, the combination of high temperatures and moisture can make the weather feel particularly oppressive.
Residents and visitors often experience this sticky, heavy air when the dew points rise.
For accurate and detailed information on Atlanta’s humidity, including monthly breakdowns, visit World Weather & Climate Information.
## Average Wind in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta experiences moderate wind speeds throughout the year, with some variation between seasons.
**Average Wind Speed:**
- The general wind speed in Atlanta is around *7 mph*, which is relatively calm compared to many other cities.
**Windiest Month:**
- October often sees slightly higher winds. The average speed during this month can reach up to *12 mph* on certain days.
Wind patterns in Atlanta are influenced by various factors including the city's topography and weather changes throughout the year.
For more insights on local wind patterns, read about [wind observations](https://www.chaseday.com/tag/wind/).
Knowing the average wind conditions is useful for planning activities, from outdoor sports to everyday tasks.
Average Air Quality in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s air quality is sometimes affected by its climate and industrial activities.
Typically, the air quality in Atlanta ranges from good to moderate, with occasional spikes to unhealthy levels, especially during warmer months.
Common Pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These tiny particles come from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and natural sources like wildfires.
- Ozone (O3): Ozone levels can increase on hot, sunny days due to chemical reactions between pollutants.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Emitted primarily from vehicles and industrial sources.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Produced by vehicles and power plants.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
| AQI Level | Category | Health Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 50 | Good | Air quality is considered satisfactory. |
| 51 – 100 | Moderate | Acceptable, but some pollutants might be a concern for a few sensitive individuals. |
| 101 – 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | May cause health effects for sensitive individuals. |
| 151 – 200 | Unhealthy | Some may experience more serious health effects. |
Reports from IQAir show that the air quality is usually moderate.
AccuWeather also provides current AQI and forecasts, helping residents make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
Residents can monitor real-time updates on air quality from platforms like WeatherBug.
Topography of Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, located in Fulton County, sits approximately at a longitude of -84.388 and latitude of 33.749. It features a diverse topography characterized by rolling hills and flatlands.
The city rests at an average elevation of about 1,050 feet (320 meters) above sea level. This altitude contributes to its unique weather patterns.
The terrain includes various elevation points, such as Stone Mountain, which rises to 1,686 feet (514 meters). The varied landscape makes Atlanta a city with picturesque views and diverse neighborhoods.
In addition to its hills, Atlanta contains numerous creeks and rivers. The Chattahoochee River flows through the northern part of the city, enhancing the area’s natural beauty.
The combination of urban development and natural features forms Atlanta’s distinctive topography, which influences its climate, vegetation, and living conditions.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia experiences a variety of extreme weather events throughout the year. These events can have significant impacts on daily life, infrastructure, and safety.
Tornadoes are not uncommon in Atlanta. In 2021, Georgia ranked fifth in the nation for tornadoes with a total of 43 storms. Tornadoes can cause extensive damage with high winds and flying debris.
Thunderstorms:
Severe thunderstorms hit the area frequently. These storms bring damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain. On average, there are about 19 days each year with damaging winds in the region.
Atlanta has seen an increase in flash flooding over recent years. The warming atmosphere has led to a 9.5 percent increase in hourly rain rates since 1970. This makes the city more prone to sudden and severe flooding.
While snow is rare, winter storms can still affect the city. One memorable event was the 2014 “Snowpocalypse”, which shut down the city with just 1 to 3 inches of snow. Freezing temperatures and icy conditions can create hazardous travel scenarios.
Heatwaves:
Heatwaves also occur, with high temperatures often exceeding 90°F in the summer. Extended periods of extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
Other Extreme Weather:
Other extreme weather events include periods of drought and occasional hurricanes that can bring heavy rains and strong winds from the coast. It’s important to stay informed and prepared for these various conditions.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Atlanta, Georgia
The best times to tour Atlanta are during spring and fall when the weather is mild and enjoyable.
What Is Atlanta, Georgia Like in Spring
From March to May, Atlanta experiences mild temperatures. Highs average between 65°F and 80°F. The city’s parks and gardens come alive with blooming flowers, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Events like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival take place during this time.
Rain showers are common in spring, so it’s a good idea to carry an umbrella. Spring is a great time to explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden or take a walk through Piedmont Park. Tourists find this period attractive due to the comfortable climate and array of outdoor activities available.
What Is Atlanta, Georgia Like in Summer
From June to August, summer in Atlanta is hot and humid.
Temperatures often reach the high 80s to mid-90s°F. Afternoon thunderstorms can be frequent, offering a brief respite from the heat.
Despite the heat, summer hosts many popular events like the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival and Atlanta Jazz Festival. The city’s many museums and aquariums provide air-conditioned comfort, which is a great way to escape the heat. Visitors should stay hydrated and wear light clothing.
What Is Atlanta, Georgia Like in Fall
September to November are excellent months to visit Atlanta. Fall offers cooler temperatures, ranging from 70°F to 80°F in September and cooling down to 50°F to 70°F by November.
The fall foliage in Atlanta’s parks is beautiful, making it a favorite season for both locals and tourists.
This season features events like the Taste of Atlanta food festival and the Atlanta Pride Festival. The pleasant weather makes it a good time for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and trails.
What Is Atlanta, Georgia Like in Winter
From December to February, Atlanta has a mild winter compared to northern regions.
Temperatures usually range from 30°F to 50°F. Snow is a rare occurrence, but some chilly days are expected.
Winter is a quieter time for tourism, yet the city hosts festive events like the Atlanta Holiday Lights and the Peach Drop on New Year’s Eve.
Indoor attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola are great to visit during this season.
The cooler weather might be more appealing for those who prefer a less crowded environment.